nbc news white house correspondent has details. >> reporter: on "meet the press," president obama continued his public campaign to pressure congress. >> if congress doesn't act, then everybody's taxes go up, and for the average family that could mean a loss of $2,000 in income and the who economy can slow down. >> reporter: he called an lawmakers to strike a deal or hold a vote on his plan which would raise tax rates on wealthy americans a major sticking points for republicans. >> the way they are behaving is that their only priority is making sure that tax breaks for the wealthiest americans are protected. that seems to be their only overriding unifying theme. >> reporter: after the interview republican leaders accused the president of assigning blame instead of leading. >> when they say leadership falls on you mr. president you don't have a role here in breaking this impasse. you've had a tough go with congress. >> if folks can't say yes to good offers, then i also have an obligation to the american people to make sure that the entire burden of deficit reduction doesn't fall on seniors wh